Here at Browndog we love sharing thoughts and insights about marketing from our team of specialists, but every now and again we also like to share our other interests to help you get to know the people behind the projects.
Between us, we love to chat about food, interior design, fashion, music and photography, just to name a few of our favourite topics. In this latest blog, our Designer and Animator Heather Swinfen, shares her recent experience of Amsterdam.
We hope you enjoy reading about her travels…
A visit to Amsterdam by Heather Swinfen
Visiting Amsterdam has been on my bucket list for years. Iconic art, canals, beautiful houses, parks and waffles, why wouldn’t you want to visit?! And it did not disappoint.
We began by finding our bearings; Google maps will be your friend, but there is nothing better than getting a bit lost in a new city, and discovering gems around each corner. We found ourselves in De 9 Straatjes – 9 charming streets of boutiques, unique stores, gift stores and tiny fooderies. Everyone welcomes you with a smile and a new recommendation for your visit. We walked down markets filled with handmade homeware, pastries and the famous tulips. It was a little early in the season to visit the tulip fields, but the markets displayed how beautiful the country’s national flowers are. Lunch was fresh chips from Fabel Friet by one of the many canals.
TOP TIP: The 3 day travel pass is a brilliant buy, €30 for unlimited travel across the overground, Metro, trams and buses – just remember to tap on and off!
The next morning, and for an escape from the drizzle, we visited The Upside Down – an interactive space, designed for photo opportunities (including a giant ball pit.) We continued to visit museums and galleries throughout the day, absorbing the different art. Moco Museum is a contemporary art gallery, including work from Banksy, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Yayoi Kusama. It also has some light exhibitions, mesmerising spaces filled with colour and mirrors. Moco Museum is located in Museumplein (Museum Square) alongside Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum.
TOP TIP: Book Van Gogh Museum in advance of your visit to Amsterdam! I was disappointed that it was completely sold out for the 3 days we were visiting (although it’s part of my excuse to visit again!)
Fabrique des Lumières, an immersive digital art centre, was a great experience. The entire room is filled with moving artwork and sound. However, it’s a bit short for the price, even though there were a few different ‘films’, the longest is 30 minutes and the shortest is only 10 minutes. So maybe only visit if you really love the artists exhibited.
For nightlife, De Pijp is a great place for dinner and drinks. We explored the bars and chatted to locals who were happy to share their insights on the city.
TOP TIP: People aren’t lying when they say look out for the bikes! They are everywhere and can be travelling as fast as some of the cars, so watch out when crossing any of the roads or streets.
On the third day, after an amazing breakfast at Staring at Jacob, we explored Jordaan, an area of Amsterdam across from Anne Frank’s house. Here there are even more boutiques and cafes, as well as the Amsterdam Tulip Museum.
Vondelpark is a beautiful break away from the shopping streets (and fab for dog watching!). Cyclists and runners have their own track around the park, so you can enjoy walking around without fear of being knocked over. We only explored a small part of it, but there are several ponds, lakes and gardens within it.
TOP TIP: You can’t visit Amsterdam without having a stroopwafel so get yourself to Van Wonderen for the best ones in the city!
Amsterdam was a fantastic mini break, there is plenty to see and do and I’m already planning another visit.
